Acceleration Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is the equation for average acceleration?

$acceleration = \dfrac{change\ in\ velocity}{time\ taken}$, or $a = \dfrac{\Delta v}{t}$

What is the unit of acceleration?

Metres per second squared, m/s².

What is deceleration?

An object slowing down — a negative acceleration.

What are the steps to calculate acceleration from a change in velocity?

e.g. a car speeds up from 0 m/s to 20 m/s in 5 s

1. Find the change in velocity: $20 - 0 = 20$ m/s
2. Write $a = \Delta v \div t$
3. $a = 20 \div 5 = 4$ m/s²

What is the acceleration of any object falling freely under gravity near the Earth's surface?

About 9.8 m/s².

True or false? Acceleration can always be found by dividing the velocity by the time.

False. You must divide the change in velocity by the time, $a = \Delta v / t$.